Device for extinguishing cigars

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved device for rapidly extinguishing and preserving lighted cigars. The device comprises a hollow cylindrical tube having a closed end and an open end, an end cap for sealing the open end so as to form a substantially airtight container, and a snuffer positioned within the tube and adapted for movement relative to the tube. The device further includes a spring for restoring the snuffer to a desired initial position and a clip for permitting the device to be retained within the pocket of a user.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for rapidly extinguishing a lighted cigar comprising: a hollow cylindrical tube having a closed end portion and an open end opposed to said closed end portion;   a cap adapted to fit within said open end of said tube for sealing said open end so as to form a substantially airtight container with said tube and thereby promote rapid extinguishment of said lighted cigar;   said cap having a bore shaped to receive an unlit, wetted end of said cigar and a flange adapted to engage a substantially L-shaped slot in said tube so as to positively lock said cap to said tube in a way which insures the formation of said substantially airtight container;   means for snuffing said lighted cigar positioned within said tube; and   said snuffing means being adapted to move relative to said tube to accommodate cigars of different lengths.   
     
     
       2. The device of claim 1 further comprising: means for restoring said snuffing means to a desired position.   
     
     
       3. The device of claim 2 wherein said restoring means comprises a spring connected to said closed end portion and said snuffing means. 
     
     
       4. The device of claim 3 wherein said spring comprises a helical spring. 
     
     
       5. The device of claim 1 further comprising: said snuffing means being formed by a substantially cylindrically shaped member having a bore for receiving the lighted end of said cigar.   
     
     
       6. The device of claim 1 wherein said closed end portion is formed by an end cap secured to said tube. 
     
     
       7. The device of claim 6 further comprising: said tube, said end cap, said cap adapted to fit within said open end and said snuffer means each being formed from a non-combustible, high impact, and high melting point material.   
     
     
       8. The device of claim 7 further comprising: said tube, said end cap, and said cap adapted to fit within said open end each being formed from a plastic material; and   said snuffing means being formed from a metal or metal alloy.   
     
     
       9. The device of claim 8 wherein said tube, said end cap, and said cap adapted to fit within said open end are each formed from nylon and said snuffer means is formed from aluminum. 
     
     
       10. The device of claim 9 wherein said clip means comprises a clip having an integral ring portion. 
     
     
       11. The device of claim 1 further comprising: means for permitting said device to be clipped to a user's apparel.   
     
     
       12. The device of claim 1 wherein said closed end portion is formed by a removable end cap inserted within said tube.